A
thought by Andy Stanley, (2009-01-21) from his book, Louder Than Words: The Power of Uncompromised Living (Kindle
Location 1982). The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Andy
says, “Emotional pain works the same way. And like physical pain, the more
intense the emotional pain, the more self-centered we become, and
self-centeredness is the archenemy of character. Men and women of character are
committed to putting others first.”
And
that is true emotionally and physically.
Think about the last time you had some real physical pain. I’m mean you were really hurting. Who were you thinking about? You. And the same is true emotionally.
Andy
says, “Emotional pain works the same way. And like physical pain, the more
intense the emotional pain, the more self-centered we become, and
self-centeredness is the archenemy of character. Men and women of character are
committed to putting others first.”
But
the Enemy knows how to sidetrack us doesn’t he?
I mean I’m in pain. Take care of
me. But the golden rule says, “To do
unto others as you would have others do unto you.” And pain is a way of learning how to minister
to others and to show people how God can make a difference when we are in
pain. But it is really difficult to do
isn’t it?
I’ve
been thinking about people who are in real financial pain and what kind of
attitude that some of them have shown toward these children who have slipped
into our country. I mean good people
have shown no compassion for these kids who have escaped such horrible
conditions where they have lived. The
terror that many of them live with every day is enormous but we say, “Don’t let them stay
here. Send them back no matter
what.” But pain makes us so
self-centered.
Christ
wants us to love and take care of others no matter how it affects us. Didn’t He say on the Cross, “Father forgive
them because they don’t know what they are doing.” I wonder how we would have handled that situation.
So
how are you handling your pain?
Comments
Post a Comment